Mógilsá has been a centre for forestry research in Iceland for over half a century. Its origins can be traced to a gift from the Norwegian nation in 1961, which made it possible, among other things, to develop facilities at Mógilsá for scientific work and forestry research.

Following the merger of previous institutions into Land and Forest Iceland just over two years ago, it soon became clear that the organisation’s operations in Reykjavík needed to be consolidated in one location. The decision was therefore taken to lease premises at Vínlandsleið in Grafarholt, which will be brought into use in the spring. As a result, Land and Forest will no longer maintain a permanent presence at Mógilsá, although the buildings and surrounding land will remain under the auspice of the institution.

Continuing the legacy of the Norwegian gift

The Norwegian gift was originally intended to strengthen forestry in Iceland and reinforce ties between the two countries. A dedicated board for the gift remains in operation, with representatives from Land and Forest and the Norwegian Embassy in Iceland.

At the recent Icelandic Forestry Conference, a formal agreement was signed between Land and Forest Iceland, the Icelandic Forestry Association and the Reykjavík Forestry Association, under which the two associations will take over the facilities at Mógilsá and continue to uphold the objectives of the Norwegian gift in relation to forestry in Iceland.

Ágúst Sigurðsson, Director of Land and Forest Iceland, signed the agreement on behalf of the institution and stated on the occasion that the arrangement is intended to “strengthen forestry in Iceland and enhance the social dimension of forestry”.

Division of responsibilities

Under the agreement, the Reykjavík Forestry Association will assume responsibility for most of the buildings and surrounding land at Mógilsá. The Icelandic Forestry Association, on the other hand, will take over the main building and relocate its offices there.

Staff of the Reykjavík Forestry Association are already familiar with the area, as the association has for many years overseen the recreational areas on the slopes of Mount Esja. The facilities now placed at its disposal will enable it to fulfil this role even more effectively and to better serve the public through both recreational opportunities and educational activities.

A vibrant meeting place for the forestry sector

Mógilsá will remain an important centre for forestry in Iceland. It will continue to provide a venue where people can come together for work and leisure, promote forestry and education, exchange ideas, and build connections both within the forestry sector and beyond.

The site offers suitable facilities for smaller meetings and events, an arboretum featuring a wide range of tree species, experimental plots, and a highly diverse recreational area that connects to the extensive outdoor area across the slopes of Mount Esja.

Agreement valid for three years

The agreement is initially set for a three-year period and will be reviewed in light of experience thereafter, always guided by the original objectives of the Norwegian gift.